Just to put some things to perspective for those who are not familiar with Turkey or Turkish politics:
1) This election was supposed to take place in 2019 but the main alliance called for an early election just two months ago, presumably because Turkey is at the brink of a major economic depression and a social and economic instability would put Erdogan’s plans to become the supreme leader in danger.
2) It may not look like it (and it certainly does not feel that way to us) but Turkey has a long tradition of parliamentary democracy. However, last year’s referandum made parliament redundant and people (although with a small margin) voted in favor for a presidential system.
3) Despite their referandum victory, Erdogan was not entirely happy with the results as he lost support from three major cities (Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir). The majority of people in those cities had collectively voted “No” and displayed their dissatisfaction with a possible change away from democracy.
4) This election would once-and-for-all decide the fate of Turkish democracy and it is highly likely that the election will go to second round in July. Right now there are several candidates for presidency but top two contenders are Erdoğan and Ince (CHP’s candidate). If both candidates make it to the second round, main opposition will unite against Erdoğan and with the momentum on their side, it is highly likely that they would win (unless some election scam happens, which is also very likely).
5) I understand many people were disillusioned with politics in general and certainly with Turkey. In recent years many young people did not even vote let alone take action because they never believed that they would take the power away from Erdoğan. But, as last year’s referandum stands, every regime aspiring for dictatorship is inconfident and fragile and not getting into action would only serve a self-fulfilling prophecy. More than ever people are becoming optimistic and Ince’s sensible and economy-based rhetoric has been very helpful in uniting people from very different walks of life and ideologies.
I have to cut this short right now but if anyone is interested in tomorrow’s elections, I can keep them updated.
Fynn_the_Finger on June 23rd, 2018 at 12:07 UTC »
If Turkey shakes Erdogan, I'll have hope that we're finally starting to turn the tide.
Hedg3h0g2 on June 23rd, 2018 at 14:05 UTC »
So who's the candidate? What does he stand for?
holygarbanzobeans8 on June 23rd, 2018 at 15:19 UTC »
Just to put some things to perspective for those who are not familiar with Turkey or Turkish politics:
1) This election was supposed to take place in 2019 but the main alliance called for an early election just two months ago, presumably because Turkey is at the brink of a major economic depression and a social and economic instability would put Erdogan’s plans to become the supreme leader in danger.
2) It may not look like it (and it certainly does not feel that way to us) but Turkey has a long tradition of parliamentary democracy. However, last year’s referandum made parliament redundant and people (although with a small margin) voted in favor for a presidential system.
3) Despite their referandum victory, Erdogan was not entirely happy with the results as he lost support from three major cities (Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir). The majority of people in those cities had collectively voted “No” and displayed their dissatisfaction with a possible change away from democracy.
4) This election would once-and-for-all decide the fate of Turkish democracy and it is highly likely that the election will go to second round in July. Right now there are several candidates for presidency but top two contenders are Erdoğan and Ince (CHP’s candidate). If both candidates make it to the second round, main opposition will unite against Erdoğan and with the momentum on their side, it is highly likely that they would win (unless some election scam happens, which is also very likely).
5) I understand many people were disillusioned with politics in general and certainly with Turkey. In recent years many young people did not even vote let alone take action because they never believed that they would take the power away from Erdoğan. But, as last year’s referandum stands, every regime aspiring for dictatorship is inconfident and fragile and not getting into action would only serve a self-fulfilling prophecy. More than ever people are becoming optimistic and Ince’s sensible and economy-based rhetoric has been very helpful in uniting people from very different walks of life and ideologies.
I have to cut this short right now but if anyone is interested in tomorrow’s elections, I can keep them updated.